LaPierre installed as Commander of District 14

After being in the American Legion for only nine years, Darryl LaPierre, of Dexter has been installed as the District Commander of the region in District 14.

"I didn't join (the American Legion) with any plans to do this," LaPierre explained. "But things were kind of thrust upon me."

LaPierre explained that District 14 takes in 21 counties in Southeast Missouri and that the American Legion in Dexter stays very active.

"We don't have a bar and we don't have a restaurant," LaPierre said. "The money we make is from the Hall rentals and the funerals we provide Honor Guard for. Not all American Legion Posts do that."

LaPierre explained that District 14 has provided honor guard for over 750 veteran funerals.

When asked how he was selected to be District Commander, LaPierre said "The last (District Commander) looked at what this post does and thought I would be good for the post."

District 14 boasts approximately 150 members with roughly 35 that regularly attend the meetings.

"I consider our post to be pretty active," LaPierre remarked. "We do anything and everything we can to help out a veteran who is in need."

According to LaPierre, District 14 adopted a disabled veteran's family for Christmas last year.

"They were in pretty dire straits," LaPierre stated. "But we made sure those kids had a great Christmas as well as making sure that everyone had enough to eat."

LaPierre went on to explain that the local post has 128 acres set aside for veterans to use for hunting or fishing, "or whatever they want to do.

"It's not just about the hunting," LaPierre went on to explain. "It's about their recovery and doing what they need to feel better."

LaPierre said the American Legion National Commander visited the Dexter post last fall and appeared to be quite impressed with what he observed.

"The American Legion, in general, does a fantastic job of taking care of vets," LaPierre explained. "We meet with various committees in (Washington) DC over various veteran affairs and we accomplish a lot."

There will be an installation of new officers at the next meeting in Dexter on August 7 at 6 p.m.